Traveling to space is the dream of young and old, but making it a reality is very difficult, even more so if you are not a US citizen. In fact, nationality and other factors have caused NASA to have a shortage of astronauts to complete the missions of this 2022.

Since its inception, the International Aeronautical Federation (FAI) has sent 570 people into space. The number of applicants usually triples this figure, but the number of chosen is minimal, since the requirements to get a place are very specific.

Among the objectives that NASA has for its next missions is to send the first woman to the Moon through the Artemis program, as part of the crew that will spend a week on the lunar surface.

Requirements to be a NASA astronaut
Below, learn what the requirements are to be a member of NASA and see the Earth and other planets from space:
Have a master’s degree in engineering, biological sciences, physical sciences, computer science or mathematics, from an accredited place.
Have a minimum of two years of work experience in the area or one thousand hours as a pilot.
Pass NASA long-duration flight physical.
If these four requirements are met, those interested must apply online and complete a two-hour evaluation.

Once these steps are accomplished, applicants will be trained for two years. Of course, they must spend between 18 and 24 months specializing in the work they will do on the Space Station.

For more information on the NASA astronaut profession, and the application requirements, visit this link (click here).

Few want to be astronauts
Being an astronaut gives you the chance to take off aboard rockets and spacecraft to live and work aboard the International Space Station, 250 miles above Earth (just over 400,000 kilometers).

According to NASA, they could also “be sent on expeditions to establish sustainable lunar exploration by 2028. Gaining experience on and around the Moon will prepare NASA to send the first humans to Mars in the mid-2030s.” .

The recruitment process takes many years and stages, but flights into space have been curtailed by the closure of the space shuttle program.

In fact, in recent years the number of personnel has decreased to an average of 44 astronauts, counting approximately ten who retire annually.